Columbus, OH
Population 906,480 · Ohio
About Columbus, OH
Columbus is a major city located in Ohio with a population of 906,480 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,327 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Columbus features a median home value of $234,500, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Columbus in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,224, 5% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 420,068 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (171,346 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (215,235 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Columbus shows an unemployment rate of 5.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 17.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Columbus have an average one-way commute time of 21.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
38.2% of Columbus residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 14.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Columbus Ranks in Ohio
Cost of Living in Columbus, OH
Compared to national averages, Columbus has a median household income of $65,327 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $234,500, which is 4% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,224 is 5% above the US average of $1,163. Within Ohio, Columbus's income is 9% below the state average of $71,814, and home values are 34% above the state median of $174,449.
Why Live in Columbus, OH?
Columbus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $234,500, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 38.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 21.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,327) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Columbus provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Columbus has a population of 906,480 with a median age of 33 years. Compare Columbus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Ohio.
Similar Cities Near Columbus
Cities in Ohio with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland | 367,523 | $39,187 | $94,100 | Compare |
| Cincinnati | 309,595 | $51,707 | $215,300 | Compare |
| Toledo | 268,461 | $47,532 | $107,000 | Compare |
| Akron | 189,526 | $48,544 | $111,200 | Compare |
| Dayton | 136,741 | $43,454 | $93,200 | Compare |
| Parma | 80,131 | $67,425 | $157,600 | Compare |
| Canton | 70,105 | $39,754 | $94,400 | Compare |
| Lorain | 65,207 | $45,799 | $123,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Ohio
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Columbus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbus
What is the population of Columbus, OH?
The population of Columbus, OH is 906,480 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Ohio.
What is the median household income in Columbus?
The median household income in Columbus, OH is $65,327 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Columbus?
The median home value in Columbus, OH is $234,500, which is 4% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Columbus?
The median monthly rent in Columbus, OH is $1,224, which is 5% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Columbus?
The unemployment rate in Columbus, OH is 5.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Columbus, OH a good place to live?
Columbus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 906,480 and a median age of 33, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Columbus, OH?
38.2% of residents in Columbus aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Columbus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Columbus, OH: median home value is $234,500 (4% below national), median rent is $1,224/month, and median household income is $65,327. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Columbus?
The poverty rate in Columbus, OH is 17.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Columbus, OH?
Columbus's population is 3.7% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 28.8% two or more races. 14.4% of residents are foreign-born.